Coming from Arizona, I've definitely missed those authentic Mexican flavors, and El Molcajete…read moredelivered. Everything we had was incredible. The carne asada was packed with flavor, and pairing it with the bacon-wrapped shrimp took the whole plate to another level. The shrimp tacos were easily some of the best I've had--fresh, loaded with toppings, and that sauce they put on them was seriously out of this world. The service was just as impressive as the food. Everyone was attentive, welcoming, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. I honestly can't think of a single thing that was lacking. Great food, authentic flavors, phenomenal service, and an overall top-tier experience. If you're in Ankeny, definitely stop by and give El Molcajete a try. Moving here from Arizona and finding a gem like this was a huge win. My wife and I already know this is going to become one of our regular spots. Easily a 10/10 experience! Can't complain the ambiance was a nice open concept.

This is my stepdaughter and her husband's favorite Mexican restaurant in their hometown, so we…read morestopped in as a group of 6 on a Friday night. We were seated right away and ordered a pitcher of Skinny Margaritas. They were VERY tasty, well-prepared, and a good accompniament to our chips and salsa. They bring out both mild and spicier salsa, and of course there are options for guac and cheese sauce. For dinner we got a variety of dishes. Two of the group shared a bowl and it was enough for them with leftovers. I got the Loco Burrito, and it was easily 2 meals for me. Others got tacos and shrimp, and everyone enjoyed their dishes. Service was excellent, and the staff worked together to keep things moving right along! I believe this is an old Golden Corral Building, so there is a lot of seating, and a bar right when you walk in the door. Great food and drink!!

Mojito is a fun word to say and now a really good place to eat…read more Weekday evening was a perfect time to go. It in a strip mall area and we had driven by multiple times and finally getting in a stop. Our waitress was a sweetheart. I threw my typical questions at her and she was on top of it. Chips were warm and the salsa was perfect. She brought us our drink orders quickly. The blue margarita was a good suggestion. We enjoyed the chips and the drinks. We were taken aback when our meals arrived. Hubby ordered the CA burrito and it was bigger than this forearm! I ordered the steak chimichanga and it also was way more than I imagined it would be. We both enjoyed our meals. We both were so full that I feel like we were going to have to be rolled out of there. The menus are huge. There is no excuse not to find anything. The restaurant is decent sized, with music playing like you come to expect in a Mexican restaurant. I think it was the manager who came out and checked on us to make sure we were doing alright. We decided that we would be back sooner than later. The price was right and it ended up being another meal for both of us.

Went with a group of friends. Had a great time. Fast attentive service. Great portions. Great food…read more Everyone loved their meals and drinks. No complaints. Would recommend.

Service was terrible and food was not hot. margaritas are…read moremade with cheap tequila and mixers but are $15. won't be back

I was debating getting DoorDash at work today, to get delivery. The DoorDash delivery guy was fast…read moreand did an awesome job. Now for the food-it's really good. See pics. I got the chimichangas and quesadilla sampler. I hadn't eaten yet when I got my delivery. I was able to take one bite of the chicken quesadilla and 3/4 of ONE of the 2 chimichangas, as well as a few bites of beans and rice. The chimichangas and quesadillas are LOADED with meat. Not much cheese on the quesadillas, but I'd prefer mass quantities of meat over cheese. The meat in chimichangas is shredded and juicy. They are covered with queso and paired with beans, rice, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. These two meals will get me through two days of food. Prices are $10-20/meal. I'm glad my friend suggested this. MarcyDiner'sTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. CyHawkApproved.

The food was Great,the service was okay due to our server kept calling my daughter Sir he never…read moresaid mam or miss to me or my other daughter,and no name badges so I couldn't correct him,just a little Mexican boy,and we came all the way from Shenandoah IA this is our second visit I'm sure we will be back. Thank You Lisa Miranda

What a great experience…read more Had no wait being seated early on a Thursday evening. The waiter was great. We ordered drinks and then gave us ample time for us to figure out options. He suggested chicken over steak for the fajitas. This was a win cause the chicken fajitas were fantastic. I couldn't eat it all. My husband had the cazador burrito and it's one of the biggest he's ever had. We got to chatting with Gustavo and he was so kind to share his knowledge of tequila with us. It was a great experience. I'll go again just to hang with him.

This is a terrific option if you are looking for a no-frills, quality food, family-owned…read moreexperience. I was impressed with the menu, loaded with great options that made it difficult to decide because they were so appealing. Order at the counter when you initially arrive, and they'll serve you before the cash register because this family has it down to a science. Coca-Cola products. Loved my Carne Asada tacos, tasty, great salsa (especially the hot variety), and yummy chips. They have a new happy customer.

This place has become a favorite go to. The folks serving us there are always friendly, fast and…read morenice. The place is always clean and well organized. They are efficient and the food and selection is always as fresh as possible. Prices are slowly rising but still very competitive and way better than the other build a burrito type shops! If have not tried it you are missing out !

I had the shrimp enchiladas at Lindo Jalisco and they were very good! The sauce was just the right…read moreamount -- flavorful without being overpowering -- and the mixture of veggies inside the enchiladas added a nice touch. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, tender and fresh. The rice and beans on the side were warm and tasty, and the complimentary chips and salsa were a great start to the meal, especially with both a mild and a hot salsa to choose from. Overall, a really satisfying and well-balanced meal! The employees there were attentive and warm to us, even though it wasn't busy at all since we went during off-peak hours. The restaurant was also spacious and was clean!

Kicking myself for not getting in here sooner…read more Yelp reviews got us in the door. The food, staff and atmosphere will get us back. On a random Monday evening we decided to stop in. The special was written on a board by the door. The Guava Margarita caught my eye. We were quickly sat and here is how it went. M: Mexican cuisine is outstanding here. A: All you can eat chips and salsa brought to your table. Great Salsa. R: Recommendations from the bartender/server for his favorite meal. G: Guava Margarita is a must have. A: A large menu to choose from. R: Reasonably priced restaurant I: I had to fight my husband off my meal. T: Tasty meals thrilled us. A: A full stomach is how we left Hubby ordered Burrito Carnitas with steak, onion, bell pepper, topped with green sauce, cabbage & melted Jack cheese. The bartender/waiter told me he had the Carne Asada:Charcoal grilled sliced skirt steak served with guacamole, roasted onions and jalapenos. Comes with the same cabbage and beans. The flavor was amazing. I fought off my husband off my plate. It was enough food for 2 meals and did not disappoint. Amazing. This meal was a little more than I usually get, but I might have started something.

Upon arriving in the afternoon for a late lunch with an empty stomach I ordered their birria torta…read morethat was recommended to me by the server. Restaurant was small, interior could've used a quick sweep. Restaurant was relatively quiet besides chatter from the workers whom seem to be friendly with one another which is a huge plus from a guest perspective. Walked out with a tab of $24 including time and entree with an iced coke which could use more ice in my humble opinion. Will definitely be back to try other options on their menu.

Flame Cantina in Ankeny promises a taste of Mexican street food with a modern twist, and for the…read moremost part, it delivers. My recent visit was a flavorful fiesta, with some dishes shining brighter than others. The Good: The homemade chips and salsa is a menu item (not complimentary) Which we don't mind because you are more mindful when eating them. They are also delicious and if you get the guacamole or the chees dip you will not be disappointed! Mango Shrimp Tacos: These were the stars of the show. The tortillas cradled juicy grilled shrimp, drizzled with a vibrant mango Pico de Gallo and bathed in a creamy guajillo crema. The sweet and spicy combo was a true explosion of taste, and the shrimp cooked to perfection - tender and slightly smoky. Quesa Birria Tacos: These braised beef delights were another winner. The slow-cooked Angus beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, swimming in a rich, flavorful adobo sauce. The crispy tortillas held up well to the juicy filling, and the accompanying onion and cilantro dipping sauce added a refreshing touch. Atmosphere: The restaurant itself is a vibrant and inviting space. The open kitchen adds to the lively atmosphere, and the colorful décor transports you straight to a bustling Mexican cantina. The 'OK' Taco Salad: While the ingredients were fresh and flavorful (ground beef, black beans, corn, Pico de Gallo, cheese, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing), the salad suffered from a glaring omission - lettuce! A taco salad without lettuce is like a margarita without lime - it just feels incomplete. (To be fair - our server offered to go get my Wife some lettuce, I just thought it was worth noting.) Service: The service was friendly, and on-point. Tristan kept the drinks filled and was attentive without being over bearing, in a small place like this it is a good balance. Overall: Flame Cantina offers a delicious and vibrant taste of Mexican street food, with some dishes truly excelling. The mango shrimp and birria tacos were standouts, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual and fun dining experience. Just be sure to request extra lettuce for your taco salad, and you're good to go! Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Flame Cantina is a great choice for a casual and flavorful Mexican meal, with a few minor tweaks needed to truly ignite all five stars. Pro Tips: Try the spicy hot sauce - ask for it, it one of the better ones I've had because it has both the heat and the flavor! Saturday's are $3 tacos until 5pm! I hope this review helps you decide whether to give Flame Cantina a try!

Soooooo this place is basically heaven. $2.00 margaritas during happy hour, Exile Ruthie on tap,…read morethe fajita quesadilla is amazing to say the least. And the service is top notch. Can't wait to come back!

Margaritas were excellent. Service was quick. Food was served but was not very warm. Had to send it…read moreback to be rewarmed. Noticed the floor looked like food had spilled on it and was just wiped up. It needed to be done better and scrubbed with a mop. It was mid day about 1:00 when we arrived. Not very busy. Only about 4-5 tables filled. Tab came to little over $50.00 with 2 margaritas and a 20% tip. To be fair they had not been opened long yet. They were still working out the bugs I am sure.